Padstow Dental Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Although there are issues to be addressed, the impact of our concerns relates to the governance and the oversight of the risks, rather than a patient safety risk.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice identified and managed some risks effectively and staff described the processes. This included sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working.

Staff could access emergency equipment and medicines, however the equipment was not checked in line with national guidance. Expired equipment was present that had not been identified during routine checks. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

We noted that the fridge containing a medicine used to treat low blood sugar levels was not monitored effectively. We have received assurance that this has been addressed.

The premises were free from clutter. Improvement should be made to ensure that low use areas are cleaned as part of a routine cleaning schedule. Hazardous substances were not clearly labelled or stored securely.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available.

The practice’s oversight of fire safety management procedures was not effective. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers were not checked at intervals recommended in national guidance. A fire risk assessment had been carried out by a person who could not demonstrate they had the skills, knowledge and competence to assess the risks associate with fire at the premises.

The practice did not have an effective system for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were not always kept securely, and a log was not in place to monitor and track their use.

Staff felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were enough staff on duty at all times. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

The practice did not always ensure staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. We found shortfalls in training in fire safety awareness and learning disability and autism awareness.

The practice could not demonstrate that they had appropriately risk assessed staff for Hepatitis B immunity levels. This meant potential exposure risks could not be fully assessed and mitigated.

Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during ongoing informal discussions.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

Equipment was maintained and serviced in line with manufacturers’ instructions.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

Staff used personal protective equipment and decontaminated dental instruments after use, in line with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single-use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance. However, this was not always reflected in current practice. Cleaning equipment was not used in accordance with the established colour-coding system or stored appropriately, this could compromise infection prevention and control measures.

Improvement should be made to the practice's waste handling protocols to ensure waste is appropriately segregated, handled, and disposed of in accordance with relevant regulations and national guidance. This was discussed with the practice during the inspection, and we were assured that a new system would be implemented immediately.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.